Martin, Michelle Amber2011-04-202011-04-202010-11https://hdl.handle.net/11299/102981University of Minnesota M.S. thesis. November 2010. Major: Natural Resources, Science & Management. Advisors: Eric Zenner and Brian Palik. 1 computer file (PDF); xii, 110 pages, appendices A-D. Ill. (some col.)I compared riparian plant responses to different harvesting approaches over nine years in Riparian Management Zones (RMZ) in Northern Minnesota. In Chapter 1, I found that tree regeneration in RMZs is greater in partially harvested treatments (60% BA removal) than in unharvested treatments. This was especially true of intolerant tree species, although the shade tolerant species are becoming important in lower strata at year nine post-treatment. In Chapter 2, I found that understory plant community composition and abundance change somewhat over time in partially harvested treatments in comparison to unharvested treatments. This was especially true of woody understory layers, however, less so for the herbaceous layer. In general, the understory plant community shifted toward more shade intolerant and disturbance indicating species. As of nine years post-treatment, partially harvested RMZs balance timber and non-timber management objectives as they increase tree regeneration and do not dramatically alter understory plant communities.en-USRiparian plantRiparian Management Zones (RMZ)Plant communitiesNatural Resources, Science & ManagementThesis or Dissertation